A FRESH campaign has begun to recruit foster carers across the region in order to address a current shortage.

About 450 foster families are required in the North-East and 720 in Yorkshire, according to latest figures.

Independent fostering agency Foster Care Associates, which has a regional office in Chester-le-Street, says its ‘Finding Room to Foster’ campaign draws on moments when carers made the decision to foster and the emotional and physical impact on their life.

Jodie-Fletcher Murray, the organisation’s operations manager in the North-East, said: “We’ve been working with children and young people for more than 21 years and our experience shows that one-to-one support in a family setting is the best way to help these children overcome their issues and deal with their past.

“We have some fabulous foster carers across the North-East and hope our ‘Finding Room to Foster’ campaign will encourage more people in the region to make room in their life and seriously consider becoming a foster carer.”

Shiela Ryan, from Newcastle, has been a foster carer for 35 years. She said: “I’ve looked after some truly wonderful youngsters over the years and have kept in touch with many of them. I actually adopted my daughter after having fostered her for several years.

“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be able to be there for these youngsters, to see them grow up and develop into brilliant young adults.”

For more information on becoming a foster carer with Foster Care Associates call 0800 022 4012 or visit www.thefca.co.uk